Healthy Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats

I blame Ikea.

It is impossible to walk out of that store not craving cinnamon rolls. The aroma of their freshly baked rolls permeates the entire warehouse, as if they’ve sprayed cinnamon-scented perfume in every room.

I spent yesterday afternoon happily shopping for furniture while dreaming of soft homemade cinnamon rolls. Wanting a healthier option, I baked up this wholesome single serving cinnamon roll baked oatmeal for breakfast the next morning.

It gives you all the gooey comforting goodness of a classic cinnamon roll, with whole grains, fiber, and protein at the same time!

You may also like: Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Key Ingredients

Rolled oats: You need a half cup of old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats. For gluten-free baked oatmeal, use certified gluten-free oats or substitute with rolled quinoa flakes.

Applesauce: I like applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened) because it complements the cinnamon flavor. You can swap in mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or Greek yogurt for a high protein boost.

Sweetener: Liquid sweeteners like honey or pure maple syrup work well. For a breakfast with no sugar added, use the equivalent sweetness amount of stevia.

Cinnamon: The star of the show. It wouldn’t be a cinnamon roll without ground cinnamon! Feel free to experiment with complimentary spices, such as a pinch of ginger or nutmeg.

Nut butter (optional): A tablespoon of a neutral-tasting nut butter adds incredible richness and makes it feel like you’re eating dessert.

Add-ins of choice: Feel free to stir in a spoonful of raisins or dates, dried figs, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or finely diced apple.

Other ingredients: The recipe also calls for pure vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and water or milk of your choice.

While the cinnamon is out, make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

1. Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius). Alternatively, you can cook the recipe in a microwave or preheated toaster oven.
2. Grease a one cup ramekin, mini loaf pan, or small heat-safe dish. For a double-layer cinnamon roll oatmeal cake, grease two half cup ramekins or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
3. In a small mixing bowl, stir the oats, cinnamon, salt, and any other dry ingredients.
4. Whisk in the applesauce, water, sweetener, nut butter, vanilla extract, and all remaining ingredients.
5. Spread the uncooked mixture into the prepared dish or pan.
6. Bake on the center rack of your oven for fifteen minutes, or microwave until fully cooked. (Microwave time should take around one to three minutes and will vary depending on wattage.)
7. Let cool, then frost if desired and enjoy for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
8. For optimal freshness, refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to five days or freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw or reheat frozen oatmeal before eating.

Prefer traditional cinnamon rolls? Try these Easy Cinnamon Rolls.

Frosting the Cinnamon Oatmeal

Protein frosting: Top the oats with your favorite thick yogurt or dairy-free alternative. Mix in vanilla protein powder or sweetener to taste if desired.

Cream cheese frosting: Use store-bought icing or whip up a quick homemade cream cheese frosting similar to the one in my Carrot Cake Bars recipe.

Powdered sugar glaze: Stir two tablespoons powdered sugar with a few drops of water, milk, or lemon juice. Adjust the consistency with more liquid if too thick.

Coconut butter frosting: Spread your oatmeal with warmed coconut butter for a delightful taste.

Other options: Enjoy the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal plain or topped with mashed banana or nut butter.

More Delicious Oatmeal Recipes

Oatmeal Banana Bread

Protein Overnight Oats

Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Baked Oats

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Chocolate Overnight Oats

Oatmeal Muffins

Banana Oatmeal Cookies